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conclusion:We like it

84
August 26th 2014 3:21 pm

If the massive profile of gaming rigs is what keeps you from buying one, then the Bolt II might be up your alley -- if you can stomach its high price tag.

The Bolt II is small and sleek enough to fit on your desk, or even "sit unobtrusively in your living room or look great in your office," according to PC World, noting that the Bolt II's size and weight are "nothing compared to most desktop gaming rigs." And that goes for power consumption as well, with Digital Trends finding it "surprisingly efficient."

That minimalism doesn't extend to its performance, as the Bolt II offered Digital Trends "excellent processor performance" and PC World says it "took everything we threw at it with aplomb." In case that still isn't enough, About says the Bolt II is "highly customizable," though Digital Trends notes that "tight power routing can make removing ... components more difficult" and PC World says there's "no room for a second video card."

Out of the box, the Bolt II promises excellent performance in a slender form factor and it certainly delivers. But, with a price starting over $1700, we shouldn't expect any less and maybe it could have offered a bit more.